IPL 2017: Gujarat Lions v Kings XI Punjab, Game 26 – Match Result Predictions

The Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab face off against each other in an exciting encounter at Rajkot today. Both teams have been inconsistent in this tournament so far. Kings XI Punjab, Gujarat Lions, and Royal Challengers, all languish at the bottom half of the table. But the Gujarat Lions would be high on self-belief after their victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders at their own fortress at Eden gardens. Very few visiting teams have managed to achieve this feat.

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab would be demoralized after being on the losing side of the match even after posting almost 200 while setting a target for the Mumbai Indians. Hashim Amla played one of the most memorable knocks in recent times in this format of the game. Despite his exploits with the bat, he could only manage to be on the losing side.

The focus now shifts to Rajkot, which is the home ground for the Gujarat Lions. Both Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab would want to grab two important points to progress into the top half of table.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:                   

Scenario 1: GL will win the toss

Toss Prediction: GL choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 160-180

2nd innings Prediction: GL will win by 4 wickets (with 2 overs to spare)

Scenario 2: KXIP will win the toss

Toss Prediction: KXIP choose to bowl

First innings Prediction: 190-210

2nd innings Prediction: GL will win by 20 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches –2, GL Won – 1, DD Won – 1

In Rajkot: Total Matches- 1, GL Won- 0, KXIP-1

Team Combination

Gujarat Lions

The main reason why Gujarat Lions have been so unpredictable this season is that the management had trouble finding the right XI in the playing line-up. After the last match, they would not want to tinker much with batting line-up. In a harsh move against Dwayne Smith, Andrew Tye makes way into the team instead of the West Indian. The addition of James Faulkner makes the Gujarat Lions a more balanced side.

Predicted XI: Aaron Finch, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina (C), Andrew Tye, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, James Faulkner, Praveen Kumar, Basil Thampi, Dhawal Kulkarni.

 Kings XI Punjab

Even though the Kings XI lost their matchup against the Mumbai Indians, the Punjabi boys won’t lose sleep over their playing XI. The only cause of concern for the Kings XI would be bowling with the new ball and at the death alongside Mohit and Sandeep Sharma. Therefore, the return of Varun Aaron instead of the Ishant Sharma is on the cards.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Manan Vohra, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell (C), Marcus Stoinis, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Axar Patel, Gurkeerat Singh, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, Varun Aaron.

On the basis of recent history of the two teams, Gujarat Lions hold the upper hand over Kings XI Punjab, especially at their home ground.

Do let us know your predictions in the comment section below.